Minnesota

GOP’s Fischbach Assumes Lt. Gov. Role, Rejects Higher Pay

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s new Republican lieutenant governor says she’ll reject the job’s higher salary as she plans to maintain her seat in the state Senate. GOP Sen. Michele Fischbach was in line to join Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration after Tina Smith resigned the job to join the U.S. Senate. Fischbach confirmed in a Wednesday statement she…

Minnesota Climber Headed to Canada’s Remote Mount Luciana

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. (AP) – A veteran Minnesota explorer is planning another adventure, an attempt at the first winter ascent of remote Mount Luciana in Canada. The seldom-visited, 17,146-foot peak is deep in the Yukon’s Kluane National Park, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Canada’s tallest mountain, Mount Logan. Lonnie Dupre, of Grand Marais, Minnesota, says he and climbing…

What You Should Have In Your Car’s Winter Survival Kit

It's recommended that you keep your gas tank at least one-half full.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts are reminding people to take this extreme cold weather seriously. When traveling, having a winter survival kit in your vehicle could save your life. At Ace Hardware in Duluth customers have been rushing in to stock up on winter survival kit basics. Fleece hats and gloves are among the big sellers over the past couple weeks….

GOP’s Bachmann Mulling Bid for Franken’s Seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ One-time Republican presidential contender and former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann says she’s considering a run for Sen. Al Franken’s seat. Franken resigned Tuesday after a cloud of sexual misconduct allegations starting in November. His replacement, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, will be sworn in Wednesday and plans to run for the seat in a November election….

Twin Ports Cyclery Goes Out For A Ride

Riders braved the cold and spent about 30 minutes on their bikes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports Cyclery hosted its 40th annual New Year’s Day Ride and Potluck. Organizers say the ride and potluck are more for the camaraderie. It’s not considered an outward bound ride. Riders will go out for whatever distance they want, turn around and head back. “There are two rides now. Some of us will ride on the road,” said…

Northland Couple Welcomes Baby On New Year’s Day

At least five babies were born on New Year's Day at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. – Well it’s a new year and with that comes a new baby for one Northland couple who welcomed their bundle of joy on New Year’s Day. Little Charles Everett Dreier was born at 2:13 a.m. weighing in at 6 pounds and 15 ounces. New mom Susanna Schafter says her due date was Jan. 9. She didn’t expect Charles to…

New Laws Take Effect Today for 2018

(KMSP) – There are five new laws going into effect Jan. 1, including one that honors fallen officers. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the new law allows for special license plates that honor fallen officers. Drivers can purchase a memorial plate for $10 and donate $25 to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. The law is sponsored by…

As Smith heads to DC, questions linger over her replacement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – After a crazy year in Minnesota politics, 2018 will start with Democrats and Republicans squabbling over the next lieutenant governor and what it means for control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn into the U.S. Senate this week. But Fischbach plans…

Life Coach Presents Tips on Being the Best “You” in 2018

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – As 2018 begins, many Northlanders will be looking to improve themselves in different ways. For this week’s Coffee Conversation we talked with Executive Coach Pam Solberg-Tapper about ways to ensure you fulfill these resolutions. To learn more about Solberg-Tapper and her business, you can contact her at pam@coachforsuccess.com , 218-729-0772 or www.coachforsuccess.com. Here is her blog post…

Self-inflicted shooting prompts lockdown of emergency room

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – A hospital emergency room in the Twin Cities area was put on a temporary lockdown over the weekend after a self-inflicted shooting in a restroom. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the incident happened Saturday night at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Authorities did not immediately release details on the condition of the shooter, or…

Duluth Children’s Museum Celebrates New Year’s Eve

An estimated 400 people showed up throughout the day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though they may take place earlier in the day, New Year’s celebrations are for kids too. The Duluth Children’s Museum hosted its fifth annual New Year’s Eve party! There were plenty of kid friendly activities like trail mix making and even a balloon drop. Organizers say this year the event was bigger and better. The Museum offered…

Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse Brings In 2018 With A Bash

Owner Jason Wussow also took the stage.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you usually spend New Year’s Eve at your favorite bar waiting for the clock to strike midnight, Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse in Duluth has another option for you. This New Year’s bash started as an all day jam session that has now turned into a tradition for the last seven years. The stage is set and 24…

Junior Naturalists Get A Lesson In Identifying Animals During Winter

Kids also made and took home a plaster animal track.

CARLTON, Minn. – The cold is not keeping some dedicated “junior naturalists” from learning about the outdoors this this weekend  from the warmth of a classroom. They showed up to Jay Cooke State Park to learn about identifying animals in the winter. These young snow trackers discovered what animals signs to look for like animal droppings, footprints or bones. The…

Northlanders Can Connect With Super Bowl LII

Super Bowl LII is expected to attract one million visitors and leave an economic impact of more than $400 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – The last time Minnesota hosted the Super Bowl the year was 1992 and 26 years later the Super Bowl is making its return. We may be hundreds of miles away, but organizers say people in Duluth can be part of the action. Super Bowl Experience started in Minnesota and it’s grown to a more than 400,000 square feet…

Clothing Drive To Help People Stay Warm This Winter

You'll receive a ticket for the raffle for each item you donate

DULUTH, Minn. – One way to make sure someone can withstand Minnesota’s brutal winter is with suitable winter clothes. The owner of Duluth’s Red Herring along with the man behind Lizsam Entertainment have found a way to give back to the community with a winter clothing drive. It’s cold out especially this time of the year and for the people…

Duluth Public Library hosts escape room for teens

Northland teens worked together to solve the puzzle and escape the library

DULUTH, Minn. – Some teenagers simulated what might happen if they were locked inside the library.  The Mount Royal branch of the Duluth Public Library hosted a library-themed escape room puzzle on Friday. Teens worked together to find clues, and figure out how to escape the library in under 25 minutes. “There’s a whole ton of teamwork that happens here,”…

Post-holiday exercise options

9Round Fitness 30 minute Kickboxing might help knock you back into shape

DULUTH, Minn. – After the holidays is when most people start feeling like it’s time to hit the gym.A new kind of gym has opened up in Duluth recently. 9Round Fitness is a 30 minute kickboxing studio, where folks can work with a trainer, and have a slightly different workout experience than your typical gym. “The whole thing with kickboxing…

UPDATE: Officers Identified in Gilbert Shooting

GILBERT, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the officers involved in a shooting that took place in Gilbert on Dec. 22.  According to the Minnesota DPS BCA preliminary investigation, Deputy Derrick Deutsch with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Officer Joseph Bradach of the Gilbert Police Department were looking for an…

Sen. Franken Thanks Supporters in Minneapolis

  MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Senator Al Franken delivered a message of thanks to his supporters and friends after eight years in the Senate on Thursday night. It was his first public appearance in Minnesota since sexual misconduct allegations were made against him. He announced his plans to resign earlier this month. His fall came after Los Angeles radio personality Leann Tweeden released a photo of Franken apparently…

Duluth rink rats brave the cold for the love of hockey

Well below-zero temps won't stop these little athletes

DULUTH, Minn. – Well, it may be cold outside but that’s not stopping hearty Northlanders from keeping busy out there. Being that it’s Minnesota, kids don’t seem to mind that it’s a few degrees below zero. FOX21 caught up with some young rink rats playing a game of pick-up hockey at the Glen Avon hockey rinks. “It’s cold, but, I…

Depression Happens In the Northland Around This Time Of the Year

The economic burden of depression, including workplace costs, direct costs and suicide- related costs, was estimated to be $210.5 billion in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DULUTH, Minn. – There can be dark days living in Duluth and being so far away from the equator means not enough sunlight, which can affect how you feel. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is where people typically get more depressed during certain seasons. “There is a variation of that where some people have a different kind of depression in the…

Franken to Formally Thank Supporters Before Leaving Senate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sen. Al Franken is meeting with supporters and friends in Minnesota before he officially resigns. The Democrat planned to attend an event Thursday night in Minneapolis to thank supporters and friends after his eight years in the Senate. Media outlets were expected to be allowed to attend part of the event. Franken announced his plans to resign…

Lynx Give Coach Cheryl Reeve Contract Extension

(Courtesy of MN Lynx)MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Following another championship season and several high-profile accolades, the Minnesota Lynx signed Head Coach Cheryl Reeve to a multi-year contract extension Thursday, also giving her the role of general manager in addition to her coaching duties. Reeve won her fourth WNBA title with the Lynx in 2017, notching her 195th total win as the coach of the franchise…

Minnesota IT Chief to Step Down in February

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The state’s top information technology official will retire in February. Minnesota Information Technology Services Commissioner Tom Baden announced his plan to step down on Thursday, citing health reasons. But it also comes amid problems with the state’s overhaul of its computer system for license plates and tabs. He will officially depart Feb. 2. Baden was…

Twins’ Miguel Sano Facing Sexual Assault Allegations

(AP) MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – A professional photographer has come forward with an allegation that Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano assaulted her after an autograph signing. Betsy Bissen also alleges that sexual harassment she endured while covering the Twins “started off with the first base coach hitting on me almost every game I was at.” In a letter posted on Twitter,…

Judge Pushes Back Timeline for Enbridge Line 3

(Garret Ellison | MLive)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An administrative law judge delayed approval of a divisive oil pipeline in northern Minnesota so the environmental impact statement can be revised. The decision from Judge Ann O’Reilly last week is a response to a Public Utilities Commission’s finding that the project’s impact statement was “inadequate.” The PUC on Dec. 7 gave the Department…

Jay Cooke State Park Has Activities to Keep You Busy This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Jay Cooke State Park will be offering several free naturalist programs during the upcoming holiday time period.  All programs are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to enter the park.  They can be purchased upon arrival.  $7/day or $35/annual.  Attached is our program flier for the winter, but here are the highlights for…

Sea Smoke Appears Over Lake Superior

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Mother Nature is putting on a show in Minnesota. Sea smoke was seen rising over Lake Superior on Christmas Day. Sea smoke, also called steam fog or frost smoke, appears when really cold air slides over a warmer expanse of water. Lake Superior’s temperature was about 35 degrees and the air temperature was 9 below zero…

Northland Man Share His Story Of His Very Own Christmas Miracle

Michael Sylvester was adopted and plans to have genetic testing to see if he carries the gene.

DULUTH, Minn. – After nearly 14 years on the job with the U.S. Postal Service Michael Sylvester is what some may call a walking Christmas miracle. It’s a far cry from where he was back on Dec. 16, 2016. “I noticed I was having some chest pain,” said Sylvester. “I thought it was indigestion.” Michael then did something that isn’t…

Northland Food Bank Needs More Volunteers

Volunteers started with brand flakes and scooped two and half pounds into every bag.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth was busy with volunteers at a repacking event. The people volunteering equal to six full time positions at the Food Bank. They are important in making sure the Food Bank runs smoothly. “So we’re just asking folks to come in and volunteer and help us get this food…

Bentleyville Starts the Teardown Process

Volunteers can show up between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday this week, at Bayfront Park to assist with teardown.

DULUTH, Minn. – After several weeks of entertainment it’s now time for the Bentleyville Tour of Lights to come to an end. Organizers say it’s time to dig in and get to work with the teardown process. Many volunteers have been helping out since Sept. so now they can get back to their normal lives. When it comes to setting…

UPDATE: Victims Identified in Fatal Hibbing Fire, Another Life Claimed from Injuries

The Fire Broke Out Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Shortly After 1:00 a.m.

UPDATE: Authorities have identified the victims as 63-year-old Patricia Lynn Gillitzer, 67-year-old Steven Jon Gillitzer, and their grandson 9-year-old Todd Gillizter Jr., their 3-year-old grandson Isaiah was being treated for injuries at HCMC has reportedly died from his injuries. According to a press release from the Hibbing Fire Department, Steven Gillitzer was a retired Hibbing Fire Captain and served on…

Keeping the Pack Taken Care Of

Packare was Founded Nearly Five Years Ago by Duluthian Alicia Skjoelsvold

DULUTH, Minn. – Everything but lions, tigers and bears help keep Alicia Skjoelsvold’s business alive. “Kitties, pocket pets, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, rabbits, bearded dragons,” said Skjoelsvold. “We do pet sitting and dog walking.” The native Duluthian decided five years ago to leave her dream job; reality had set in and routine became a bore. “This time of year we…

How to Safely Heat your Home

Officials say space heaters are a safe option, but should be treated like a candle.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s time for many Northlanders to bundle up outside and at home. Many locals are cranking up space heaters but officials want to remind us to warm up safely. This chilly time of year fire departments receive many of house calls. Space heaters are flying off the shelves at local shops, which are a common way to heat a…

How to Keep Vehicles Running Smooth in Freezing Temps

Drivers typically notice car battery problems in extreme temperatures.

DULUTH, Minn.- Its below freezing is the Northland, the chilling temperatures might make you want to bundle up inside. This cold of weather can also make your vehicle not want to move either. Auto repair shops are receiving many calls today from Northlanders struggling starting up their vehicles. The Automedics in Duluth is offering up some tips to help ensure…

Taking Shelter at Safe Haven

Experts say women in abusive situations tend to not leave this time of year.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the National Resource of Domestic Violence Center calls of domestic abuse decline during the holidays. Advocates with Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center say many reasons play a factor into victims staying in unhealthy relationships during the holidays. This year the safe haven shelter has serviced over 540 families, but a woman’s advocate says if children…

Music Therapy Providing Care to Hospice Patients

If you stopped into one of Natalie's sessions it would look like; just two friends and a guitar, catching up during a shared love of songs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Music brings many people together especially in hospice care. Music therapists play many roles in soothing and caring for patients. Experts say the songs can also help patient’s family members. Natalie Hest is a certified music therapist working for Essentia Health at the Solvay Hospice House. “As a music therapist I say I have the gift of time and…

Church celebrates “Awkward Family Christmas” stories

They say it's a fun way to celebrate togetherness and remember that life isn't perfect.

DULUTH, Minn. – Eastridge Community Church added a little holiday twist to their services on Sunday.  They held the “Awkward Family Christmas” series at their church on Arrowhead Road. They shared stories of their own awkward holiday struggles, and how the first Christmas was kind of awkward too. “You know, Jesus was born in a barn. Sometimes we share our Christmas…

Last-minute shoppers pick out presents for pets

A Place for Fido was the place to be for dog-lovers this christmas

DULUTH, Minn. – People in Duluth were out in search of that one last thing on their list this Christmas Eve. A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s complex had folks coming in and picking up gifts for that special member of the family…the dogs! Co-owner Jamie Parent says pets always appreciate a good gift, and it can give them…

Adventure North MN Has Pop-Up Shop That Gives Back To the Environment

Adventure North has funded organizations $1,000

DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure North MN usually operates out of a enclosed trailer kind of like a food truck, but since it’s cold… they opened a pop–up shop outside Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth. The clothing brand launched in June 2016 and 10 percent of sales goes back to different organizations in Minnesota that protect the environment. They’re currently working with Friends…

Trailfitters Shares The Best Clothing To Stay Warm

Trailfitters says people are mostly looking for winter down jackets.

DULUTH, Minn. – Staying warm in the Northland can come down to the right clothing. Trailfitters in Duluth says that layers are essential to hold the warm air in. The type of material you buy can also determine if you’ll stay warm and dry. Cotton will keep you cold if it gets wet. While wool and synthetics won’t. “We get a…